A meeting of experts from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare was held to advise on measures against the new coronavirus, and the number of new infections is expected to fall below the level of autumn last year before the start of the eighth wave of infection, and the downward trend will continue in the future. Analyzed.
On the other hand, although the increase in influenza will be smaller, it is expected to continue to increase in the future, and it is pointed out that it is necessary to continue to pay attention to simultaneous epidemics.
According to the expert meeting, the current infection situation continues to decline nationwide, falling below the level of last autumn before the start of the 8th wave of infections, and it is expected that the downward trend will continue nationwide in the future. I am analyzing.
In addition, the number of deaths continues to decline, and although the number of cases in which emergency transport is difficult is still at a high level, the downward trend continues.
However, it is pointed out that the proportion of infected people over the age of 80 tends to be high, and it is necessary to continue to be careful.
In addition, the proportion of the Omicron strain "BQ.1" lineage, which is said to be more susceptible to evading immunity, is increasing in Japan, and it is necessary to continue monitoring the trends of the mutated virus.
On the other hand, he pointed out that seasonal influenza, which has reached the epidemic warning level nationwide, is expected to continue to increase, although the rate of increase will be small, and that it is necessary to continue to pay attention to the simultaneous epidemic with the new corona.
The expert meeting will strengthen the medical system to provide appropriate medical care to the elderly and those at high risk of becoming seriously ill, even until the position of the novel coronavirus is shifted to "Type 5" under the Infectious Diseases Act. and points out that it is necessary to work on prioritization.
In addition to calling for vaccination against the Omicron strain, continue to eat and drink with as few people as possible, avoid loud voices and staying for a long time, wear a mask when talking, thoroughly ventilate, and go out if you have symptoms. We are calling for thorough basic infection control measures such as refraining.
Chairman Wakita "We will discuss measures other than masks appropriately"
At a press conference held after the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's expert meeting, Chairperson Takaji Wakita was asked whether he would present his views as an expert on future infection control measures other than masks. There are opinions that it would be better to have something simple and easy to understand instead of giving detailed instructions, and when the treatment under the Infectious Diseases Act is changed to "5 categories" in the field, there are certain guidelines. There was an opinion that it may be necessary, and we will discuss it appropriately."
Regarding the gradual increase in the ratio of Omicron strains ``BQ.1'' and ``BA.2.75'' among the mutant viruses, Chairman Wakita said, ``The ratio is changing as the number of infected people decreases. However, 'BQ.1' and 'BA.2.75' are not creating new epidemics, and I don't think they are leading to an increase in the number of infected people."
The number of new infections nationwide is 0.68 times the previous week and is on a downward trend
According to the materials presented at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's expert meeting, the number of new infections in the week ending on the 21st was 0.68 times the number of the previous week nationwide, and the downward trend continues in all prefectures. .
In the Tokyo metropolitan area,
▽ 0.71 times in Tokyo
, 0.65 times in Kanagawa Prefecture
, 0.64 times in Saitama Prefecture,
and 0.62 times in Chiba Prefecture, it continues to decrease.
In Kansai,
▽Osaka prefecture is 0.64 times
, Kyoto prefecture is 0.64 times
, Hyogo prefecture is 0.69 times, Tokai prefecture is
▽
Aichi prefecture is
0.61 times, Gifu prefecture is 0.68 times
, Mie prefecture is 0.75 times, and so on
. decreases compared to
The number of infected people per 100,000 people in the last week is ▽
Tottori prefecture has the highest number of people in Japan with 200.21 people ▽ Shimane prefecture has 192.81 people
▽
Tokushima
prefecture has 181.22 people
▽ Mie prefecture has 177.43 people
▽ Wakayama prefecture has 166.16 people It is
▽ 61.82 people in Tokyo
, 91.49 people in Osaka Prefecture
, and
▽ 100.24 people nationwide.
The reason why the number of deaths in the eighth wave increased
Members of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's expert meeting have compiled a document that considers the factors behind the increase in the number of people who died every day in the eighth wave of the spread of the new corona, including a record high number.
According to the document, if the number of infected people increases overwhelmingly, the number of deaths will increase even if the fatality rate decreases. As a result, there are cases where even if the test is positive, they do not register themselves, and it is believed that the actual number of infected people is higher than the reported number.
In addition, among the reports of infection, the proportion of people aged 80 and over, who are more likely to become seriously ill, increased by 1.3 times compared to the seventh wave last summer. It is also possible that the increased chance of infection of
On top of that, regarding the factors that have increased the number of deaths among the elderly,
▽ other diseases or worsening of complications triggered by infection with the new corona,
▽ heart function deterioration due to infection ``Aspiration pneumonia'' can occur due to weakness and difficulty swallowing food, and ▽ infection can cause blood clots, leading to myocardial infarction or cerebral
infarction
. I'm here.
In addition,
there is a possibility that the immunity from vaccines and previous infections has weakened over time, and that the
difficulty of ambulance transport has made it difficult to treat elderly people in nursing homes or at home. Delays and
the spread of infections in rural areas where there are many elderly people and where the medical system is not necessarily sufficient are also cited as factors for the increase
.
The document states that the cumulative number of infected people in Japan is kept low compared to other developed countries, and that the low proportion of people with immunity may also contribute to the increase in deaths. Among the countermeasures for the above, the death of the elderly due to the increase in the number of infected people will be an important focus. It is said that there is a need for support for the elderly and securing a medical system.
Takaji Wakita, chairman of the expert panel, said, "By digging deeper and clarifying the factors behind the increase in the number of deaths, we believe that we will be able to establish an appropriate medical system and reduce the number of deaths. Further analysis will be required. I want to move on," he said.